The Embassy of the Philippines and the Philippine Consulates General in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Agana extend their deepest sympathy to and express solidarity with the victims of the explosions that took place in Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday, 15 April 2013.

We mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray for those who were injured as a result of this incident that took place on a day when the people of Boston, including the Filipino-American Community, commemorate an important day in Massachusetts and United States history.

Although there have been no reports of any Filipino casualties, the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. is coordinating with federal authorities in connection with the incident to ensure that all Filipino nationals in Boston are safe and accounted for.

The Philippine Consulate General in New York remains in contact with law enforcement authorities, hospitals, Filipino-American Community organizations, media, and Filipino and Filipino-American athletes who took part in the Boston Marathon to ensure that we are updated on developments. The other Consulates General in the United States mainland continue to monitor the situation in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

To ensure that there are no Filipinos affected by the incident, the Consulate General in New York dispatched a consular officer to Boston today to meet with authorities and members of the Filipino-American Community. The consular officer is ready to extend any assistance that Filipino nationals there may require.

In light of this incident, the Filipino Community in the United States is advised to continue monitoring developments and to observe the usual caution when attending or going to large, public gatherings. The public may likewise contact the Duty Officer of the Philippine Consulate General in New York at 917.294.0196 for any emergencies related to the Boston explosions.